Earth Sciences

An introduction to Earth's physical environment. Processes and patterns of weather and climate, climate change, the development of landforms, plant and animal distributions, and the interpretation of maps. Attention given to the physical environment and natural hazards of California and the Bay Area. UC and CSU transferable.

The study of weather and climate, tectonic processes, and landforms. Emphasis on the interpretation of weather maps, climate data, aerial photographs, and topographic maps. UC and CSU transferable.

A survey of the world's major geographic regions through their physical, cultural, demographic, political, and economic characteristics. This course emphasizes geographic factors related to demographic, environmental, and political transformations.

An introduction to patterns in the contemporary human landscape. Topics include dynamics of population growth, migration, systems of agriculture, the legacy of colonialism, uneven economic development, the historical development and spread of religion and language. UC and CSU transferable.

An introduction to economic geography. Topics include patterns and processes of urbanization, industrialization, and the inter-linked global economy. Contemporary issues such as international business and changing patterns of manufacturing in the United States. UC and CSU transferable.

An introduction to the science of climate change. Topics include basic processes of weather and climate, methods for studying past and current climate, models for climate change projects, and natural and human-induced processes of climate change.

A primer course for GIS technology. History, structure, uses, and current trends of GIS, related fundamental concepts, basic query, and cartography operations using industry-standard ESRI's ArcGIS software.

Foundational course of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. GIS database design, data collection, sophisticated analysis, 3D modeling, production of professional maps. Hands-?on training using industry-standard GIS software by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). Introduces Global Positioning Systems (GPS) as they relate to GIS.

Hands-on training in the advanced application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Modeling, linear referencing data model, software customization using Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) ModelBuilder? platform and Python programming language, web GIS using Google Map? and Keyhole Markup Language (KML?) mash-up technology.

Introduction to the basic concepts of physical geology, including Earth's origins and internal structure, plate tectonics, mountain building, earthquakes, minerals, rocks, volcanic processes, geologic time, weathering, erosion, coastal processes, landslides, streams, glaciers, and ice ages and natural resources. Emphasis on geologic features of western North America.

Introduction to the materials of the Earth with emphasis on the identification and interpretation of common minerals and rocks, especially those common to California; interpretation of topographic, geologic, and structural maps; and analysis of plate tectonics processes.

The study of Earth's history and the methods and tools used in its interpretation. Includes topics such as the formation and growth of continents, the creation and destruction of ocean basins, and the evolution of life on Earth as represented by the fossil record. Emphasis on the geologic and life history of North America.

The laboratory component to an introduction to Earth�s history and the life it supports. Subjects include geologic dating, plate tectonics, stratigraphy, fossils, biological evolution, the planet�s origin and the processes that have influenced paleogeography during the past 4.6 billion years.

Field class that introduces students to geological processes at work along the San Francisco Pacific coastline, emphasizing scientific field work, coastal erosion, human interactions with the coastline, sand formation and migration, and geologic history of the coastline. Field work requires hiking across uneven terrain and up and down hills.

Field class that introduces students to geological processes at work in the city of San Francisco, emphasizing scientific field work surface and rock types, topographic features and their formation, geologic hazards, and geologic history. Field work requires hiking across uneven terrain and up and down hills.

Field class that introduces students to geological processes at work within the San Andreas fault system, emphasizing scientific field work, the physical, biological, and historical impacts of earthquakes, fault formation and evolution, and geologic history of local faults. Field work requires hiking across uneven terrain and up and down hills.

The scientific study of human interaction with Earth's near-surface environment. Topics include hazardous Earth processes, natural resources, climate and climate change, and the impacts of human population growth and pollution on environmental sustainability.

An introduction to the fundamentals of Environmental Geology through laboratory work in hazards and resource assessment, regional planning as relates to these assessments, and the nature and dynamics of human interactions with Earth's near-surface environment (hydrosphere, atmosphere, soil systems and land forms).

Internship in geoscience-related settings (such as a laboratory, museum, park, geotechnical firm, government agency, or CCSF department) under the supervision of a qualified professional. The student will need to arrange the internship and then contact the department to enroll in this class. Suggestions and strategies are on the CCSF Earth Science website. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

An introduction to Earth�s history and the methods and tools used in its study and interpretation. Includes topics such as the formation and growth of continents, the creation and destruction of ocean basins, and the evolution of life on Earth as represented by the fossil record. Emphasis on the geologic and life history of North America. Includes a lab component.

Introduction to the major physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes at work in the oceans. Covers the formation and evolution of the oceans through Earth's history and the dynamics and interactions of currents, coastal processes, climate, seawater chemistry and physics, marine ecosystems, and society.

Introduction to the physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes at work in the oceans with emphasis on measuring and analyzing data pertaining to San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Coast, including the interactions of seafloor features, weather systems, currents, tides, swell, coastal processes, seawater chemistry and physics, and biological communities.

An overview of the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, Earth science and astronomy. Content is taught at a conceptual level using basic math such as ratios, square roots, scientific notation, graph interpretation, slope and simple algebra. Intended for non-science majors looking for a broad understanding of the physical universe.

Physical Science laboratory integrates concepts from physics, chemistry, earth science and astronomy. Data collection, critical thinking, and laboratory skills are emphasized.